Julia and Stuart Hill: Duck Parents

Julia and Stuart Hill
Danville, California

The Hills' daughter Alyssa is a pre-journalism major at the UO.

How did Alyssa decide the UO was right for her?
Alyssa decided to attend the university after researching every possible school in California, and touring most of them. Her high school counselor suggested to us that we should look at Oregon, as it would be a perfect fit for Alyssa.

Do you enjoy visiting the UO campus?
We started our campus visits when Alyssa was a junior in high school, and we have continued to attend every chance that we get. We are even looking forward to driving up to move Alyssa back home for summer break.

What sort of reception did your family receive at the UO?
We sat in on every possible seminar and tour that we could attend prior to Alyssa attending the university. We were welcomed by everyone at the UO, and the speakers that addressed both students and parents were well prepared and answered every question and concern that we had.

What is your overall impression of the UO?
Both of us are products of the California education system, and attended schools of higher education in the Bay Area. When we visited the University of Oregon with Alyssa for the first time, we both said that we wished that we could do it all over again at the UO.

How have you handled being separated from Alyssa?
The hardest thing we have ever done was leaving Alyssa at her dorm after moving her up. We had "empty nest" feelings for a couple of weeks, which gradually changed to planning for her first visit home. What made it a lot easier was the feeling that she was in good hands at the University of Oregon.